Emet “Darrell” Gosnell, 67, of Early, Texas left this earthly world to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, May 29, 2015. Darrell was born to Andrew Gosnell and Georgia Adams. He attended Cisco High School and was baptized at Calvary Church in Eastland County. Darrell joined the U.S. Navy 1965 – 1969 serving two tours in Vietnam on the U.S.S. Noxubee earning numerous medals and honors. He married the love of his life Sandra Little Gosnell on June 8, 1969 and resided in Cisco, Texas and then moved to Early in 1975. He worked as a truck driver, police officer, and retired from Rowan Companies where he worked on an overseas offshore drilling rig. Darrell was an avid Early Longhorn fan attending every football fan game since 1976. He also attended numerous basketball, baseball, and softball games at Early High School as the Longhorn’s #1 fan. He always shook each players hand after every game and was a mentor to all. Darrell earned the Early Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the year award in 2010 – 2011. He also earned the “Heart” of the Longhorn award in 2010 after which the Early Athletic Booster Club had an award named for him, the “Darrell Gosnell” award presented in honor and recognition of Longhorn loyalty, pride, spirit, and support. Darrell was an avid fisherman sharing his love of fishing with his children, grandchildren, and many family and friends.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Elaine Gosnell and brother-in-law Bob Simmons. He is survived by his wife Sandra Gosnell, his children Kennith and Kimberly Gosnell of Sheboygan, WI and Shayla and Travis Kirby of Early, TX. He has 9 grandchildren, Kassidy, Katie, Kyle and Kolton Gosnell, Haleigh Lobstein, Paul Winn, Ashlyn and Reagan Kirby, and David Little and he had one great-granddaughter Sophia Ramirez all who were his world. He is also survived by two sisters, Gwen Simmons of Breckenridge and Aletha Casey of Ranger and one brother Phil Gosnell of Eastland. Darrell has many close nephews and nieces, cousins and other family who thought the world of him. He is also survived by his extensive Longhorn family.
Family would like to thank the nurses from Brownwood Renal Care Center, the doctors and nurses from Fresenius Medical Care Dialysis Center in Abilene, and the staff of Abilene Regional Medical Center. A special thank you to Dr. Robert Leverton and Dr. Ray Mark Martin for the lifetime care. Thanks to his family at the Red Wagon for the countless hours spent with him. The family is also thankful for the outpour of support from the community showing the utmost respect and love for Darrell over these many years.
Services will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 2 PM at the Early First Baptist Church with Brother Eddie Ailshie officiating. Interment will follow with military honors in Eastlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday, June 1, 2015 from 6 – 8 PM at the Heartland Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Early Longhorn Athletic Booster Club.
Friends are invited to sign the guestbook at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.
